Young Oregon receivers were quick out of the blocks in opener (video)

Beyond the excitement of playing in front of an Autzen Stadium crowd, anticipating that first reception and simply learning about the speed of the game, there was also this significant moment for freshman receiver Dwayne Stanford in Oregon’s opening game.

Throwing a block.

“In high school, I could get away with just running my guy off and being a decoy on a play,” Stanford said. “In this offense, you can’t do that.

“Wide receivers have to block, and if you don’t block, you’re not getting on the field.”

Stanford made it on the field Saturday against Arkansas State, one of seven true freshmen to play in their first college game. He had two receptions for 22 yards, and Bralon Addison, another of the true freshmen at receiver, had three catches.

But what they’re both finding out is their biggest challenge is making those key downfield blocks, for a fellow receiver or one of the running backs. Not all those long gains come simply because of the natural ability of the Duck with the football.

“Blocking (by receivers) is a huge part of our offense,” sophomore Keanon Lowe said. “All of our receivers are happy to take that on as a challenge.

“We had a good blocking game (against Arkansas State) and we’re just going to try to build on that.”

Lowe understands well the transition from high school to Oregon in that aspect of a receiver’s game.

“In high school, you’re just running deep and making plays as an athlete,” Lowe said. “You’re not asked to block too much … (so) it’s a big learning process for everybody.

Bob Clark has covered Oregon basketball over a span of the past six head coaches, from Dick Harter to Dana Altman. He’s watched some of the biggest wins for the Ducks, a couple of trips to the Elite Eight of the NCAA Tournament and yes, also the most-lopsided loss ever recorded in McArthur Court.